Massage, Spas and Fitness

A guide to Phnom Penh massage, spas and fitness

Massage for health and relaxation is a time-honored tradition throughout Southeast Asia and Cambodia also has its own distinctive traditions in massage therapy. Phnom Penh has several massage parlors catering to visitors, many concentrated in tourist areas such as Sisowath Quay Blvd along the riverfront and the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area. Reflexology, Khmer, Thai, and Japanese massage styles, medicinal and herbal massage are all available.

In recent years, boutique spas have become quite popular, aimed primarily at ladies and couples and offering massage, spa and salon services in a refined, tranquil, indulgent atmosphere. Most spas offer a full range of services including sauna, steam, jacuzzi, massage, aromatherapy, beauty treatments, wraps, scrubs, packages and a generally pampered experience in a gracious environment. Several spas are located in the Boeung Keng Kang 1 area and many of the major hotels have in-house luxury spas. Some spas also offer hair salons, manicure, pedicure, make-up and other salon services.

Beautifully renovated at the former historic Soda Building, Amara Spa is Phnom Penh’s newest luxury spa facilities on the riverfront. Inside the luscious all white facade are four levels of therapeutic treatments ranging through foot massages, body scrubs, facial, jacuzzis and steam rooms - staff trained by experienced professionals. Amara Spa is the first spa in Cambodia to use [comfort zone] beauty and skin products. Spa Party and catering service available upon request.

Offering a pleasant a/c surroundings and a full range of massage services: foot and full body massage in clean a/c rooms. Powder and oil massage both available. All are welcome. Locations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

One of the longest established massage shops in Phnom Penh - operating since 1998. Traditional Khmer massage and foot massage. Fully air-conditioned facil- ities. Reasonably priced. Several locations in Phnom Penh as well as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Popular traditional Khmer massage shop. Professional, friendly staff. Oil, powder, body, foot and 4-hand massage. Air-conditioned facilities and relaxing ambient music. Call-in hotel service. Locations in the most popular areas around town. One of the only places in town open 24 hours.

Fitness Centers

Most of the fitness clubs and gyms are in the major hotels. They are not inexpensive but they do have relatively complete, modern facilities. Also worth a look, every morning at the crack of dawn dozens of people congregate in the park in front of the Royal Palace to jog, walk, stretch, do Tai Chi and calisthenics.

Amrita Spa

Paddy’s Sports Center

Gym

#635, Ntl. Rte 5 (near Japanese Bridge)

t: +855 (0)12-214940

Hair Salons and Barbers

In addition to the salons listed below, some of the major hotels have international salons/barbershops. There are, of course, lots of inexpensive local barbershops and ladies salons all over town but the barbers/stylists rarely speak English. Haircuts at a street stall for 1500R, at a local barber shop for about $1. Also see the ‘Spa and Massage' above for boutique spas offering hair care and treatments, body and skin care, aromatherapy, massage, aromatherapy, facials, waxing, steam and more.